HIV Prevention Jab Rollout a Great Step Forward, but Ongoing Safe Sex Practices Are Crucial
Avian Bell, CEO of Quantumed South Africa, has welcomed the announcement that South Africa will begin rolling out the long-acting HIV prevention jab by March 2026. The injectable, which offers six months of protection per dose, is a major step forward in the country’s efforts to curb new HIV infections.
“This is a landmark moment for South Africa’s public healthcare landscape,” says Bell. “We are thrilled that the jab will soon be available to those who need it most. It represents a powerful tool that will help reduce the burden of HIV, especially among adolescent girls, young women, sex workers, and other high-risk communities.”
The jab, which has shown promising results in clinical trials, is expected to be a game-changer in HIV prevention. Its long-acting nature means fewer doses and improved adherence, which has historically been a challenge with daily oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Quantumed applauds the Department of Health’s commitment to making this innovation accessible to the public.
However, Bell cautions that while the jab is a significant advancement, it must not lead to a false sense of security. “The jab is designed to prevent HIV, but it does not offer protection against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HPV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia, nor does it prevent unintended pregnancies,” he explains. “We must continue to promote safe sex practices, regular STI screenings, and comprehensive sexual health education.”
Quantumed urges the public and healthcare providers to view the jab as part of a broader strategy, not a standalone solution. “We cannot afford to let our guard down,” Bell adds. “Complacency could reverse the gains we’ve made in STI prevention and reproductive health. We must continue to educate communities about the importance of condoms, routine testing, and open conversations about sexual health.”
In addition to the vaccine rollout, South Africa recently secured a $115 million emergency funding package from the United States under the PEPFAR Bridge Plan. This funding is intended to support critical HIV/AIDS services and ensure continuity of care for millions of South Africans.
“This emergency aid is a vital lifeline,” says Bell. “It will help stabilise programmes that have been under immense pressure and allow healthcare providers to continue delivering essential services, from testing and treatment to counselling and community outreach.”
However, Bell also acknowledges the broader context of this funding. Earlier in 2025, significant cuts to US aid disrupted HIV-related initiatives across South Africa. These cuts led to the closure of clinics, the suspension of research trials, and the loss of thousands of healthcare jobs. Vulnerable communities were left without access to life-saving services, and the ripple effects are still being felt.
“We must recognise that while the emergency funds are welcome, they do not undo the damage caused by earlier funding cuts,” Bell says. “We need long-term, sustainable investment in HIV prevention and treatment, not short-term fixes. The fight against HIV/AIDS is ongoing, and it requires consistent support from both local and international partners.”
Quantumed calls on government, civil society, and global stakeholders to remain steadfast in their commitment to ending HIV/AIDS. “We’ve come a long way, but the journey is far from over,” Bell concludes. “Let’s celebrate the progress, but let’s also stay focused. Innovation must be matched with education, access, and accountability. Together, we can build a future where HIV is no longer a threat — but that future depends on our actions today.”
